Spring Renewal

A professor of philosophy visited Japanese Master Nan-in to discuss life and learn about Zen Buddhism. The professor occupied the conversation telling of his accomplishments and ideas. Nan-in stayed silent and finally asked if he might serve tea. The professor nodded and continued to expound upon his theories.

During the tea pouring, Nan-in filled the professor's cup, and kept pouring. The fellow watched the overflow until he could restrain himself no longer: "Stop! The cup is over full, no more will go in."

Nan-in smiled in reply, "Like this cup, you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup." 

John Locke used the term, tabula rasa, to refer to the mind before it receives impressions from experience. A blank screen of mind releases opinions, concepts and remains open to different ways the mind could travel. 

Spring signals renewal; time to surrender and empty the head of notions and negatives. 

Let go of everything and let in something new. 

Creative Write:  What opinions do you hold that you resist giving up?  Write three opposite approaches as questions. Write into and beyond your assumptions.